Mi 11 Ultra, the new top-of-the-range smartphone from Xiaomi, is ready to land in Italy. As the name suggests, the device represents the highest technological expression of the Beijing brand, and is in all respects a heavyweight. In a figurative sense, because it competes in the high end of the market against giants of the likes of the iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, but also in a literal sense: it is large and heavy, and implements a huge photographic compartment from three lenses, with two sensors large, a periscope zoom and even a second 1.1 ”OLED screen.
Brave features, which make the Mi 11 Ultra a phone for a few enthusiasts, but which at the same time define the very nature of this device: a smartphone that embodies the “non plus ultra” of the early 2021 technological offer, without any compromise.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, design and specifications
In the overall design of the device, the rear camera unit plays a central and prominent role. The entire camera block protrudes from the phone and makes up a third of the overall thickness at the highest point of the device. On the model Ceramic White that we tried the dark glass of the photographic sector contrasts elegantly with the white of the rear body. It looks like it is made of glass, but it is actually ceramic, a material that gives a look and feel premium to the device.
The screen is also first in the class: 6.81 ”, AMOLED, one billion colors, 120HZ refresh rate, HDR10 + and Dolby Vision, 900 Nits of brightness, 551ppi. The only drawback: the rounded side edges, which do not drive us crazy but help to slim down a little this giant weighing 234g.
The processor is one Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, the best around for Android smartphones, accompanied by 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage space (not expandable) and compatible with 5G networks thanks to the integrated modem. The IP68 protection, which makes the phone waterproof (it is the first time for a Xiaomi sold in Italy), the long-lasting 5000mAh battery with very fast wireless charging and the fingerprint reader under the screen complete the picture of the features. Finally, the operating system is Android 11, with MiUi 12.5 customization.
The protruding camera
If the technical characteristics are excellent but congruent to a premium smartphone of 2021, on the photographic sector Xiaomi has tried to go further, integrating some of the best photographic components available. The main camera takes the lion’s share thanks to the sensor Samsung’s GN2 (the largest implemented to date on a smartphone) and the eight-lens system, with an aperture of f / 1.95 and a focal length of 24mm. The second and third cameras are a super wide angle and a 5X telephoto lens. Both are equipped with a Sony IMX586 sensor, with 48MP resolution. The super wide angle has one of the widest angles of view ever seen on a smartphone: 128 °. The telephoto lens mirrors the zoom characteristics of the Mi 10 Ultra, last year’s model that Xiaomi had not marketed in Europe. Like the main sensor it integrates an optical stabilization system, very useful for taking freehand photos and videos.
The video shooting characteristics are also excellent: all sensors, including the telephoto lens, can shoot videos in resolution 8K a 24p, or 4K up to 60p. This is no small feat, considering that many high-end smartphones tend to limit video resolution on secondary sensors.
The small additional side screen, integrated in the photographic block, is the element you do not expect, the original touch with which Xiaomi wanted to make a difference. It’s certainly bulky, but it’s a great idea. It’s a display OLED da 1.1 ” (the same as the Xiaomi Mi Band 5, the smart bracelet for sport) that can be customized to indicate the time, to report the presence of notifications or to show an image of your choice. The most interesting mode, however, is hidden in the camera settings, where you can activate the display of the photo preview.
In this way the mini-display becomes a sort of digital mirror and allows you to take selfies and group photos with the rear lenses. It’s just a pity that this function can only be activated for the main camera mode and does not work for example with videos. The only movies that can be recorded with a preview are the 15-second videos that can be captured by holding down the shutter button. The good news is that all these functions can be updated at the software level: if Xiaomi wanted it, the rear mini-display will be able to expand its functions with a future update of the operating system.
The photographic evidence
During our preview test of the Mi 11 Ultra we focused in particular on the photographic capabilities of the device, trying to understand its strengths and weaknesses. For our shots – which you can see, comment on, in the gallery above – we have always used the camera application of the device. The interface is simple, similar to that of many other standard Android apps, but Xiaomi has done a great job in customizing the options, which are tons of them. Many of the advanced features of the cameras, in fact, are not available by default in the app but must be searched and activated in the settings. In our test we never had a problem finding what they were looking for, discovering various additional features in the process. For our photos we mainly used the standard function, which produces shots at about 12.5 or 12 Megapixels (depending on the sensor) thanks to the 4-in-1 pixel-binning function of the 50 or 48MP sensors.
The impressions are good, with some elements that can be improved. As you can see from our photos, it is Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra it gets along very well with various light conditions and manages the dynamic range well, without exaggerating the presence of the sky – like other competitive devices – or without particular imbalances that favor this or that color tone. The white balance appears to us calculated for a general use of the device, but it can be customized. Overall, we were more comfortable with the pro mode than with the standard camera mode, which at times on certain types of shots is a bit too “intrusive” in the development of colors based on the subject.
Instead we expected something more from focus: it almost never gives problems, especially with subjects whose face or shape the smartphone recognizes. It is less effective, however, when you want to quickly shoot a moving subject. Difficulty understandable, given the very high resolution of the sensors, but there is room for improvement. On the other hand, we struggle to understand the usefulness of the 120X zoom: it is a hyper-pushed digital zoom, which does not allow you to focus almost anything, it is difficult to use freehand and produces grainy shots, unusable for photographic purposes. The impression is that it is more of a marketing gimmick to be able to write “120 X” on the rear camera, and it is a pity: a photographic sector of this level, in fact, does not need this function in any way to convince the audience of enthusiasts.
The videos are also very good, especially in resolution 4K 60p. Also in this case the color rendering is excellent and the stabilization is very good, but only when shooting with the main sensor or the telephoto lens. The difference is seen, however, when shooting a movie with the wide-angle camera, which does not have an optical stabilization system like the other two lenses. Finally, it is surprising the handling of the device: the smartphone remains heavy and bulky (especially in your pocket), but when you use it for a photo session, the impression is that you are holding a well-balanced, solid object in your hand, more akin to a camera than a traditional smartphone.
Conclusions
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra is not a smartphone for everyone and our test confirms this. The large dimensions, the weight, the important presence of the protruding camera are all elements that however become understandable and therefore acceptable if you marry the philosophy of this device: that of a smartphone that does not compromise, and that offers the maximum available on the market. to those looking for a courageous top of the range, expensive but full of features. With this Mi 11 Ultra Xiaomi also affirms the legitimacy of its presence in the premium segment of the market with technical features that were previously lacking on its models, such as water resistance with IP68 certification.
In our opinion, some details remain to be reviewed on the camera software. The level is already very good, but you can still work a little on the calibration of some aspects at the software level. Already today, however, this Mi 11 undoubtedly deserves the nickname “Ultra”, and can be counted among the contenders who aim for the podium in the very high end of the smartphone market.
Prices and availability
Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra will be available in Italy starting from May 5 in the version from 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage space. There are two colors: Ceramic White (like the one in this article) or Ceramic Black.
The list price is 1399€, but for the first 48 hours it can be purchased (only on mi.com) at the special price of € 1199, with a free 80W fast wireless charging station. In addition to the Italian Mi Store, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra can also be purchased on the online store and in TIM stores.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
